She's known to millions for her infectious laugh.
And the star of this year's big Lowestoft pantomime will be cooking up some festive fun in town – as Rustie Lee is to headline the cast of Sleeping Beauty at the Marina Theatre this Christmas.
Joining Rustie are John Lyons, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant George Toolan in the long running series A Touch of Frost, and West End Experience and Benidorm vocalist Asa Elliott.
Sleeping Beauty will run at the Marina from December 15 through until January 2 and it will again be produced by the award winning team behind recent record breaking Marina pantomimes Snow White and Cinderella, Paul Holman Associates.
As a much-loved television personality, popular cook Rustie Lee is set to sizzle as Lilac Fairy in the enchanting story of the princess who fell asleep for 100 years. With appearances on Loose Women, This Morning and Saturday Night Take Away, Rustie is never far from the TV screen and she remains a firm favourite.
Having first burst onto our screens with her infectious laughter and fun-loving personality as the chef on the set of TV-AM. Seven successful years on the channel followed as the nation woke up to a delicious world of Caribbean delights as Rustie cooked for numerous guests. Rustie has also appeared in several pantomimes as well as musicals including Smokey Joe's Café and South Pacific.
Accomplished stage, television and film actor John Lyons takes on the role of King Crumble. Having played Det Sgt George Toolan for 18 years in A Touch of Frost, John has also appeared in a host of productions including George and Mildred, The Sweeney, Upstairs Downstairs, Doctors and the Onedin Line as well as appearances in London's West End including Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap.
Every pantomime needs a hero – and swapping the sunshine and cabaret of the Costa Blanca, from the award-wining comedy hit Benidorm, is Asa Elliott, who plays Prince Valiant. Asa first appeared in the popular ITV comedy having been spotted by writer Derren Litten, who created the unique role for Asa – as the regular singer at the Solana Resort. Last September Asa stole the show as the lead vocalist in The West End Experience, which premiered at the Marina before touring the UK.
A Marina Theatre spokesman said: 'Featuring a host of colourful comic characters, spectacular sets, fabulous costumes and lots of audience participation – it's time to set your alarm clocks for the east coast's largest full scale professional pantomime at the Marina this year.'
? Sleeping Beauty opens on Tuesday, December 15 with performances up to and including Saturday, January 2. Tickets, which are priced from £7, are now available from the Marina Theatre box office by calling 01502 533200. Seats are also available online at www.marinatheatre.co.uk
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